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As Sloane walks past, she whispers, “Thank you.”
The hostess greets us as soon as we enter, and we’re seated immediately. Even though I’m fairly certain we both know what we want, we take a few minutes to look over the menu.
Once our drinks and food have been ordered, Sloane leans forward with her forearms against the table and smiles. “In case I forget, thanks so much for bringing me here. This place was really special to Nana. It makes me both happy and sad to be here. I cherish the memories, but I miss her, too.”
“Tell me about Nana. What was she like?”
Sloane’s eyes get a little misty, but at the same time, a smile forms on her face. “She was the best. She loved us so hard. She’s what made things work for our family when my parents’ marriage ended. She was kind, loving, and the fiercest person you’d ever meet if you wronged any of us girls.
“She was the kind of grandma you see in the movies. She always let us bake cookies and do art projects, keeping us girls out of trouble. She loved to play cards and taught us everything fromPinochletoSpeed. She’d beat the pants off you in an instant. Unlike other grandmas, you had to earn the winning title; it would never be handed to you freely. Ha… maybe that’s how I got to be so competitive?”
“She sounds like an amazing woman. I’m sorry I never got the chance to meet her.”
Wistfully, Sloane sucks in a deep breath and slowly exhales. “Yeah, she was more than awesome. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her. She was one of the wittiest women I’ve ever met. She had these one-liners that always kept you on your toes.
“But enough about me. I’ve been monopolizing the conversation the entire night.”
We spend the rest of dinner talking about what it was like for me to live here growing up. I laugh so hard when her eyes nearly bug out of her head during my story about how I used to bike to Cannon Beach all the time as a teenager. When I remind her it was less than ten miles, she still can’t believe my parents allowed such a thing.
Afterward, we drive over to Haystack Rock. Since it’s such a beautiful and warm night, we end up walking along the beach. There’s about an hour until sunset, but I honestly don’t think I’ll notice it with Sloane next to me. She completely captivates me in every way possible.
We keep our conversation light as we walk along tide pools, steering clear of anything that will get us wet. Both of us have taken the precaution of rolling up our jeans, as we carry our socks and shoes. Neither of us want an unexpected dip in the ocean tonight.
Eventually, we find a log that’s been dried out to sit on. With the light breeze blowing her hair around, Sloane must get tired of it because the next thing I know, she’s got her hair tied up in a messy knot on top of her head. Seeing her shoulders relax without a worry on her face lets me know my plan is working. I don’t think there’s a side to Sloane that isn’t sexy but watching her relax with a carefree smile on her face just might be what I like best about her. She’s not worried about putting on a show or managing her list of tasks. If I had to guess, I’d say this is the side of her she rarely lets others in on—and I’m honored she feels comfortable enough to let me in.
“Oh, I talked with Ryan today. Do you mind slipping that song into your set Thursday night?”
“Is Lanie working Thursday?” I ask, wondering what his plan is.
“Nope. He wants her all to himself.” She chuckles. “Though that’s relative since the place will be busy—but he plans to take her there for their anniversary dinner. She won’t have a clue.”
“That’s a solid plan. Have you figured out how to get your sisters there?”
Grinning, she rolls her eyes. “Yep. They’ll be there to check out you.”
“What?” I ask in disbelief. “Why me?”
“Well, Ryan is only taking Lanie to dinner, but he doesn’t want my sisters to miss out on his proposal. You’re the perfect cover—no pun intended.”
“Well, I’m happy to be of service. Does this mean I’ll finally get to meet the rest of the Lancasters? Will either of your parents make it?”
“I won’t have a choice with you meeting my sisters,” she says on a laugh, then grimaces. “Unfortunately, Dad’s doing maneuvers in California, and Mom’s taking care of a woman in Vermont, so we’ll celebrate with them later.”
“Is there something wrong with me meeting your sisters?”
“No… other than the fact they can be a total pain in the ass. We’re a force to be reckoned with when we’re together—so be warned.”
I laugh at the stone-cold expression on her face. “I can’t wait. I’ll be sure to put on a good show for them.”
“Speaking of performing… have you ever considered trying out for the Seaside Music Festival competition?”
I’m sure my eyes are wide as saucers by this sudden shift in subject. I swear my tongue nearly sticks to the roof of my mouth, but somehow, I manage to ask, “As in the one that requires performing in front of thousands of people?”
“Uh… I don’t know how many people will be there, but that sounds about right. The crowd loves you, and I think you’d be a great addition in terms of local talent.”
Holy shit. Is she serious?
There’s no way I’d be able to get up on stage with that many people.
